For the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of being a part of the growth of an amazing organization called Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF), a nonprofit organization providing support to Native Hawaiian and other at-risk populations in the areas of early education, social justice, foster care, and sustainability (individuals, communities, natural resources). We envision healthy and resilient communities and strive to achieve this through practical and transformational uses of traditional Hawaiian values, language, and culture.

Since its inception, PIDF has grown into an organization of nearly three hundred passionate and amazing colleagues touching the lives of thousands of people and working across a wide range of social and educational challenges in Hawai`i. Our commitment to data and transformation has helped us develop nationally recognized early education programs and family education approaches that have proven to bring substantive positive change.

Through the years and through our work, I’ve seen the various struggles of needy children and families across Hawai‘i and the impact that programs can have in helping them succeed. I wanted to provide a place of reflection, to share with people who mirror our passion to help children and families find sustainable success within a healthy and resilient community. I hope to discuss with you some of my reflections on the issues we address and invite you to also join in sharing perspectives on transformational change in our communities.